| Start: | Aug 1, '06 |
| End: | Feb 22, '07 |
| Location: | Asia Pacific Regional Countries |
Scouts creatively initiate ways to strengthen its position for peace and harmonious relationships in a massive and regional scale.
Powered by the belief that peace is achievable, all 25 member countries of WOSM in the Asia Pacific Region have taken the monumental step to introduce, for the first time, the APR Peace Baton relay on a massive and regional scale.
The Peace Baton is one of the key projects to highlight the golden anniversary of Scouting in the Asia Pacific as a commemoration of its establishment as a regional organization in 1956. Its primary goal is to raise public awareness on the importance of peace in the lives and future of today’s young people.
The Peace Baton embarked on four distinctive routes, all starting simultaneously in August 2006. Countries of origin are Fiji, Pakistan, Mongolia and Japan. Apart from these major routes, a small route started from Maldives, then to Sri Lanka, ending in India, eventually meeting the baton from Pakistan.
The four pieces of the baton is touring 25 countries of the region for a timeline of 7 months, and will end in Manila where the Asia Pacific Regional office of WOSM is located. The arrival is set for 22 February 2007 in time for the birthday of Lord Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting.
In every country, the main feature is conveying the message of peace while involving Scouting partners and a wide sector of the society. Media support is vital for increasing public awareness on the young people’s urgent appeal for peace. As the baton journeyed to Fiji, it received an official welcome from headquarter commissioners led by Chief Commissioner Chandra Shekhar. The baton was brought to the Government House where it was ceremoniously handed over to Chief Scout and President of the Republic of Fiji HE Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu. Then it was transported to Suva headquarters and turned over to Jone Naisau, the baton coordinator in Fiji, who will then pass on the baton to New Zealand.
In Maldives, Chief Scout and President of the Republic HE Maumoon Abdul Gayoom inaugurated the launch of the baton relay. He said, “Scouts must continue to create activities and projects that promote peace and solidarity”, which is also one of his government priorities. After the launch, the baton was carried across the atolls to be turned over to Sri Lanka in September.
In Pakistan, the capital city Islamabad was the starting point and was carried over to the other parts of the country before it goes to India. Secretary General of Pakistan Boy Scouts Association Col. Ali Shah believed that the message behind the relay was visibly conveyed with the large participation of young people in their campaign.
Seeing the young people on the streets, walking side by side with people from various walks of life, is an affirmation that peace is a great aspiation.
The Asia-Pacific Regional Rover Peace Baton Relay symbolizes the cooperation of Scouts and how they are strongly committed to promote peace. This peace batons will travel 21 million square kilometers for seven months to 23 participating countries in the region. Below is the list of the following countries:
ROUTE 1
Fiji
New Zealand
Australia
Papua New Guinea
Indonesia
Singapore
Malaysia
Brunei Darussalam
Philippines
ROUTE 2A/2B
Pakistan
Maldives
Sri Lanka
Bhutan
Nepal
India
Bangladesh
Thailand
Philippines
ROUTE 3
Japan
Mongolia
South Korea
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Macau
Hong Kong
Philippines
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Greetings from World Scout Bureau/APR Office:
The peace batons will tour 23 countries of the region for a timeline of seven-month journey that will wrap up in Manila where the Asia-Pacific Regional office of World Organization of the Scout Movement is located. The arrival is set on 22nd February 2007 in time for the birthday of Lord baden Powell, the founder of Scouting.
It is evident that we live in a world of conflicts, disputes and misunderstanding yet peace is never far from each. Let us not allow our differences to act as walls and hinder development, growth and prosperity but instead be the bridge for settlements, understanding and communication to take place.
Peace is not in the absence of war but amidst the presence of justice. It consists of copious forms and in which we may promote the awareness of its necessity worldwide.
A region wide peace baton passing that includes every member country within the Asia Pacific Region would take place to promote peace. It will be a marathon within the country in which everyone is invited. Moreover, the major initiatives and participation of the Rover Scouts is requested.
In the completion of the grand celebration of the Asia Pacific Region’s 50 years, each NSO would address a particular global issue and address a brief message of having the necessity and importance of peace through the marathon.
There would be four groups in accordance to their geographical location. The marathon “Run for Peace” will start in a designated country in each group then pass along its neighboring countries. Eventually, all of the four batons will end up at the home of the region in the Philippines. While the baton is in a country, the mode of marathon (walk, ran, bicycle, motorcycle, cars, etc.) and arrangement of the passing it through one point
to another shall be the responsibility of the respective NSO.
Tentative plan can be viewed at the attached agenda to this circular. We would like to request you to give us your feed back on this matter and appoint a coordinator in your NSO. He will be in charge of the whole plan. Please send us his credentials along with his contact number by the end of January 2006.
It is of unprecedented importance that we show our concern for such a vital cause. Your support and cooperation in this matter would make a difference.
Best regards,
Abdullah Rasheed
APR Regional Director
www.scout.org/asiapacific
